Your computer’s memory isn’t a component that often fails, but when it does, the result can be catastrophic. Corrupted files, mysterious crashes, and random computer issues are only a few of the many problems a failing RAM stick can cause.
After years of dealing with these issues, I’ve started running a memory test every month as regular maintenance. Tweaking RAM settings to squeeze more speed from the CPU is all well and good until your memory starts failing. Call me paranoid, but I’ve learnt to be proactive about RAM health the hard way.
Why monthly memory testing makes sense
Catch silent errors before they crash your world
I use my Windows laptop for a lot more than just browsing the web. It’s my primary work machine and I use it for several tasks, including gaming, development, editing, creative work, and more often than not, testing new OSes or software. I constantly push my hardware to its limit and keep it there for extended periods.
Generally speaking, this shouldn’t be an issue with modern PC hardware. System components like the CPU, GPU, and memory are generally reliable in 2025, and the likelihood of a catastrophic failure is low, although not entirely zero. I also frequently experience random performance issues, BSoDs, and generally weird behavior from my system—something software optimization and clean Windows reinstalls failed to fix.
These random failures cost me precious work and productivity. No one wants to spend their workday fixing their machine. After combing through logs, catching error messages on BSoDs, and analyzing the nature of my crashes, I noticed that I’ve had RAM issues in the past, which were completely undetected until they randomly left my computer completely unresponsive.
Another issue is the FDP or Failure Developing Period for RAM. FDP is the period of time between when a problem first becomes detectable and when it becomes a complete failure that renders your system unusable. For RAM, this period can be surprisingly short. Your RAM sticks can last for years under normal circumstances, but when they start to fail, degradation kicks in quickly.
There are quite a few ways your memory sticks can deteriorate over time. This includes damage from poor ventilation, power surges, physical stress from vibrations or drops, and, of course, the natural aging of electronic components. If you’ve enabled XMP profiles and overclocked your RAM a bit too much, that can also cause stability issues.
Frequent memory testing lets you catch these issues early. Instead of waiting for my computer to start randomly crashing and causing loss of work, testing memory once a month lets me identify potential problems and address them before they turn into a bigger issue.
How I run my monthly RAM tests
A small monthly routine can keep RAM issues at bay
Thankfully, checking your RAM for issues isn’t a complicated process. Windows already comes with the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool, which you can use to scan your memory for issues and is relatively easy to use. However, I recommend using a more powerful alternative like MemTest86 for more thorough and reliable scans.
MemTest86 can feel like an intimidating program at first, especially considering it requires you to boot from an external USB drive, as it doesn’t run within the OS you’re using. To get started, download the free version from the official download page, extract the downloaded ZIP archive, and run the imageUSB program to create a bootable drive. Make sure you’re using a USB drive with at least 8GB of storage.
Restart your PC with the bootable USB drive plugged in, and it should automatically boot into the MemTest86 interface. If it doesn’t, select the correct boot device using the assigned hotkey at boot. This is F9 for my laptop, but yours might vary based on the manufacturer.
Once booted, the automated testing will begin automatically within 10 seconds. This can take several hours, depending on the amount and speed of the memory and CPU you have. I recommend starting the test before heading to bed and checking the results in the morning. For context, it takes the test an average of two hours to fully run on my 16GB LPDDR5X laptop RAM with an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H.
If all is well, you will see a big green “PASS” indicator on your screen. If there are any problems, the program will tell you everything you need to know with specific memory addresses.
Ignoring RAM problems can be catastrophic
Faulty RAM can cause data loss, random crashes, and mysterious issues
More often than not, the test results will come back clean. If there are any problems, however, there are a few basic troubleshooting steps you can try.
If you have multiple memory sticks, start by testing each stick individually to find which one is faulty. Usually, the problem will be with just one module, and replacing only the bad stick is much cheaper than replacing all your memory.
Reseating the memory modules can also solve issues. Connection problems can also appear over time due to dust or oxidation. Taking the sticks out and reseating them properly can help fix any issues you might find.
Dialing back on overclocking or incorrect memory settings in the BIOS can also work. Running your RAM at higher speeds than it’s rated for can cause stability issues that show up as test failures in MemTest86.
RAM sticks aren’t really repairable, so if you end up with a damaged module, your only option is to replace it. Thankfully, cheap or unbranded RAM is actually decent, and as long as the memory is rated at a fast enough speed, you can save some money and buy cheaper alternatives to get you back up and running.
Preventive maintenance goes a long way
Small habits that save you from big headaches
Monthly memory testing is just one part of a broader approach to regular computer maintenance that I’ve adopted over the years. It’s always cheaper and less stressful to prevent problems than to deal with them after they’ve caused damage. Buying a $50 replacement RAM module is infinitely better than losing weeks or work to corruption or dealing with a system that constantly keeps crashing.
Modern computers are incredibly reliable, but they’re only machines. Every component has a finite lifespan, and memory is one of the components most likely to develop intermittent issues over time. By testing regularly, I can catch and fix these issues when they’re still manageable.
Your computer’s memory is the foundation everything else is built upon. Make sure that the foundation is solid, and you’ll have a more reliable machine to work with every day.